A Star is born

And today witnesses the launch of Raj Kapoor's youngest grandchild, yet to enter the echelons of Bollywood with the release of the Armaan Jain starrer 'Lekar Hum Deewana Dil'.

Had he lived, Raj Kapoor would have been 90 and with four grandchildren in front of the camera, (Ranbir (in pic), Karishma, Kareena and now Armaan) he would be a very proud Patriarch indeed.

Armaan, who has inherited all the legendary Kapoor characteristics of light eyes, a honey and cream complexion and the gift of the gab, has been receiving many compliments for his debut film in which he stars alongside Deeksha Seth.

Kareena Kapoor Khan, Armaan Jain and Karisma Kapoor

“Are you nervous?” we asked the exquisitely mannered young man, who we have literally seen grow up before our eyes. “No, I’m experiencing positive anxiety,” he replied with characteristic charm.

Raj Kapoor and Ranbir Kapoor

‘Positive anxiety’, what a wonderful way to describe the excitement and nervousness that accompanies a debut! Here’s wishing him years of positive exuberance too!

Preity has a fight aheadFriends of Ness Wadia are friends indeed, as was observed by the city’s cognoscenti, when a small but significant number of them went on an all out show of loyalty this week for the beleaguered businessman, accused by his former GF of misbehaviour.

Ness Wadia. Pic/AFP

And though each was worded differently the message was similar, “I know Ness and he’s one of the most wonderful, soft-spoken, gentle and dignified men ever,” was the point. It was a distinct closing of ranks. Zinta has a tough fight ahead.

Much ado about paintingSyntax matters. Friends of this attractive Delhi diva who paints, were naturally alarmed when the lady, who is known to occasionally post her art on Facebook, posted a lush abstract saying it was her ‘last painting.’

The response ranged from trepidation to panic, as concerned friends rallied around asking her to reconsider the ominous sounding dramatic declaration. So naturally, a collective sigh of relief went up when she posted. “I meant it’s my last as in my latest painting...” Oh well, Oils well.

Biography of the Maestro“It’s going to be in bookshops next week,” said our friend and former colleague, the noted writer Sathya Saran about ‘Sun Mere Bandhu Re: The Musical Journey of S D Burman’, the biography she has just written about the life and music of the musical genius who gave India some of her finest songs.

SD Burman and Sathya Saran

Published by Harper Collins India, where Saran is a consulting editor, the book promises to include interview based anecdotes and information, some of which has not been in the public space before. Saran’s previous work has been ‘Ten Years with Guru Dutt: Abrar Alvi’s Journey.’ “The idea behind the format of the book is to reacquaint listeners with the man behind the music,” she says.

Sassy Celebrations“I started my career with Rahul Akerkar at Under the Over, so I’ve known Jinx and Anand Akerkar since 1992. Yup, 22 years!” Chef Irfan Pabaney of the Sassy Spoon was filling us in about a very special dinner he’d prepared for one of the city’s most handsome couples, Jinx and Anand who, having the pick of the crop of eateries including their son’s Indigo restaurants, chose to bring in their 59th wedding anniversary at the Sassy Spoon.

Jinx and Anand Akerkar

“This is the first time they’ve come but Avantika (their daughter, the renowned stage actress) has been here quite a few times. Amelia, Rahul’s daughter, loves the place and comes pretty often. Rahul and Malini are currently travelling,” he said, explaining their absence from the table.

And er, what did you recommend they ate, we enquired, always happy to hear Pabaney speak about his passion: “For starters, I suggested the mirin soaked beef; Cajun spiced prawns, caramelised garlic tart,” he said, “And for mains we did the spaghetti with the lemon beurre noisette and the banana leaf steamed fish served with coconut rice (which incidentally, isn’t on the menu but one of our hottest sellers)”. Needless to say, we like. And happy anniversary Jinx and Anand!

Come back Bob Marley...Last week Olive in Bandra witnessed some genuinely heart-warming, hi-jinx and celebrations when the Sami Sisters, (Indira, Uma, Usha and Maya) Mumbai’s fitting response to the Spice Girls, had flown in to celebrate the fiftieth birthday of their niece-by-marriage: Mohyna. “She’s Indira’s daughter-in-law,” said Maya, the youngest of the Sisters Sami.

Sami Sisters

“And sports a head of crazy curls,” she said by way of explaining the Bob Marley twist in the tale. “So all of us donned curly wigs and hid in the alcoves of the restaurant, waiting for her to walk in, ”she said, vividly recounting the encounter, “only to be greeted with hair look-alikes amidst much laughter.”

With the Sami Sisters around, could music be far away? After all, more than one urban Indian generation has cut its teeth on their rousting ‘Bésame Mucho’ and ‘Bombay Meri Hai’. “Songs with specially written lyrics were sung by Indira, Uma, Usha, and me,” said Maya,.

“And then the next gen Aditya (the birthday girl’s son) played a mean guitar accompaniment to Usha!” Was a night, we said. “Family flash mobs, dancing on the bar, lots of dancing, great food, more music, more dancing. What a night,” said Maya. “Olive will possibly never be the same again.” We agree.